My Trip to Asakusa

A couple of weeks ago I went down to Tokyo to meet with a company J-List does business with. When I heard the office I was going to was in Asakusa, I was happy -- between the picturesque Senso-ji temple and the brand new Tokyo Sky Tree tower, it's one of the most beautiful areas of Tokyo to visit. It's also a very old part, with the most convoluted layout you have ever seen. Unable to find the address I needed even with the help of an iPhone with GPS (all the buildings were mashed together in confusing jumbles that were difficult to identify from the street), I visited an information booth where a helpful local resident pulled out a giant map book and looked up the building I needed to visit. Japan's outdated and confusing address system is one of the more inconvenient aspects of living in Japan, and I wish Japan would imitate South Korea and re-map their cities using Western-style street names and building numbers.

Asakusa is one of my favorite parts of Tokyo, though it's hard to get around.

Teach Your Children with the OASIS Method

One thing I love about the Japanese people is their deep passion for their children, something I've observed firsthand as I watched my own kids grow up here. Whenever I drive somewhere in my city I pass many signs that have been put up by the local junior high school PTA, which basically encapsulate a lot of the joshiki (universal common sense) that Japanese seem to share on subjects like how to raise kids. The slogans are usually general statements like "overprotective parents are the cause of weak children" and "those who don't show filial piety (respect to one's mother and father) won't receive it from their children." One day I came across another interesting slogan in my city which used the four syllables of the English word "OASIS" (pronounced oh-AH-shi-su) to remind us of four phrases children should be taught to say. They are ohayo gozaimasu ("good morning," as it's always important to greet others cheerfully in Japanese society), arigato gozaimasu ("thank you very much," the most formal way to express gratitude), shitsurei shimashita ("excuse me," said when leaving a teacher's room as a sign of respect) and sumimasen deshita ("I'm sorry," said in apology when you've done something wrong). The idea is, children who can correctly say these four important phrases when needed will probably be able to grow into good adults of good character later in life.

Using the "OASIS" method to bring up children well.

Stylized Language in Anime

I've written before about how anime is a very stylized world, where characters can have impossibly large and expressive eyes along with hair colors and styles that no Japanese person in history has ever possessed. In a similar way, the speech of characters is also stylized, often as removed from the Japanese spoken by actual people as the speech of pirates (yar!) or Yoda from the Star Wars films. A female character might speak a dialect used by samurai warriors from the Edo Period for no particular reason, or might otherwise violate social norms, for example the way Tomoyo speaks with rude Japanese to the other characters in Clannad despite the fact that she's younger than all of them. When an ojosama (well-bred rich girl) opens her mouth, she's essentially paying homage to Ocho-fujin from the classic tennis anime Aim for the Ace, and there's an extensive body of phrases these characters use that you'll never hear outside of anime. Similarly, every -- every! -- old man in anime speaks a strange "old man dialect" of Japanese, replacing the first person pronoun with washi for example, though I've never met a real person who actually talks like this. In the currently running Persona 4 anime, the bizarre creature called Kuma speaks his own dialect of Japanese (-kuma!), saying the word "kuma" several times during a sentence (-kuma!). It's quite annoying (-kuma!) in a Jar Jar Binks sort of way. Bottom line, don't rely too much on anime if you're trying to learn the language, or very strange things will happen.

Anime is filled with stylized language that doesn't exist at all.

Anime Headphones and Earphones

J-List loves carrying fun anime-themed earphones and headphones from Japan, like the new Super Sonico headphones we just posted, which feature the kawaii character from Nitroplus, or those awesome Evangelion headphones our customers like so much. We also posted some cool One Piece "Den Den Mushi" speakers that are just crying out to be placed on your desk!

Now Shipping: Aselia the Eternal

J-List works hard to bring the most awesome Japanese visual novels and RPGs out in English for all of us to enjoy, and we have great news today: the long-awaited Aselia the Eternal game is finally in stock and shipping! One of the most amazing JRPGs ever, the game features 23 tactical missions, 99 character levels, 21 playable characters, and 38 villages and town to visit. Great combat and gameplay too. Order it now on shrinkwrapped DVD-ROM! (Download sales will begin in a week, to allow preorder customers time to get their copies.)

Cool Products Monday, November 7, 2011

Here are today's "really cool products" that I've picked out for you, out of the 30+ new items we've added to the J-List and JBOX.com sites today. Note that some products may be "not safe for work" but that all links will allow you to redirect yourself either to the J-List or JBOX.com websites. To see all the J-List products, check out J-List or the JBOX.com updated products link.

	GeMaga ~ Game Magazine Dec. 2011 From the hottest news on the upcoming Play Station Vita handheld console games and Wii U titles, to the current hot releases, GeMaga has everything you could ever want when it comes to J-gaming news and previews with many amazing pictures. You'll be able to stay ahead of the curve before these games hit the international markets. This month has a special IdolM@asters DVD. View products »
	Makoto Nanaya 1/7 Figure ~ BLAZBLUE Fans of the arcade and PS3/360 fighting game Blazblue will be happy to see Makoto Nanaya get the figure loving she deserves! In stock...for now.
	Puella Magi Madoka Magica Magnets This set includes all 6 major characters from Madoka Magica as colorful magnets that come in collectable gashapon eggs.
	Puella Magi Madoka Magica Production Note Fans of the Madoka Magica will want to quickly grab this special boxed collection called "Production Note" before it becomes impossible to find.
	Aselia The Eternal *Preorder* Awesome news! Aselia the Eternal is one of the most awesome JRPGs ever, and the game is finally in stock in San Diego. 23 tactical missions! 99 character levels! 21 playable characters, and 38 villages and town to visit! An awesome all-ages game that we hope fans all over the world will love! View products »
	FRUITS Dec 2011  Fashion from the real streets of Japan, the essential guide for those who love the fashion trends that originate in Harajuku.
	Mofu Mofu Earmuffs Keep your ears warm while making your look even more kawaii with a pair of super fluffy earmuffs. We've got black, white, pink and gray.
	Random Cosplay & Fashion Items See fresh stock of our epic Panty & Stocking style "over knee" striped socks. We also have "socks glue" to hold them up.
	Pink Mini Clothespin Hanger ~16 Pins Just like those you've seen in anime, this cute and compact clothes drying hanger will help you save energy, but be careful of the shitagi dorobou.
	Awesome PSP Games In Stock Two new PSP games for you. One is a tale of supernatural suspense, the other an adventure game starring a silver-haired princess and her giant robot.
	Epic 2012 Anime Calendars, Too With all your favorite anime, from the newest hits to the old classics, we've got great calendar preorders now available, some limited in quantity.
	Touhou Project 'Juzu' (Buddhist Prayer Beads) These are truly awesome: a series of Buddhist prayer beads called juzu featuring Touhou themed coloring and package art. Usable both as a Buddhist religious artifact as well as an awesome fashion item, these Buddhist prayer beads are a stylish addition for any Touhou fan. View products »
	J-List's Amazing Original T-Shirts Ever since our first "Looking for a Japanese Girlfriend" kanji T-shirt, we've been bringing cool original shirts and hoodies to you. Click to see the best ones!
	JLPT N4, N5 Textbook with CD For those just starting out on the quest to master Japanese, these books will help you pass the first two levels of the JLPT. Fully updated for the new test levels!
	Other Great Study Books Restocked And for those with a slightly higher comprehension of the Japanese language, we recommend these textbooks, like Study English with Haruhi.
	Hiragana Bath Chart Never waste time that could be used to study Japanese! With this hiragana bath chart in your bathroom and you'll be one step closer to understanding Japanese.
	Yui Guitar (Miniature) ~ Yui Hirasawa Version *preorder * The new K-On! replica musical instruments we posted last time are a hit, and many fans snapped up the super detailed replicas of Azunyan's guitar and Mio's bass. We're posting the awesome guitar played by Yui too, which will be available in a couple months. Preorder it now! View products »
	Restocked Totoro & Ponyo Products Back in stock, one of the coolest plush toys we've ever carried, and many other great Ghibli Studio characters.
	We Liked Hello Kitty Before She Was Cool Japan's most famous feline is back with great restocked products. See Hipster Kitty Glasses Holder, who holds your glasses for you overnight.
	OMOKESHI Animal ~ Animal Eraser Set  These cute farmyard animals are actually not toys but helpful school erasers. Super kawaii and perfect for young students (or those young at heart).
	Staple-less Paper Stitchers, Japanese Pens We love the StitchLock paper stitchers, which "knit" sheets of paper together so you don't need staples. Awesome Japanese pens, too.
	Today's New Japanese Snacks You'll love our new snacks we've got in stock today, like the pudding flavored Morinaga caramel snacks, banana chocolate treats from Meiji that are delicious to eat, and always "chocolate mochi" delights from Bourbon. Learn about Japan through it's awesome snack culture, with J-List! View products »
	Restocked Snacks Great Pokemon candies, UHA Puccho in Ramune and other flavors, Ghibli Pretz in Gyoza flavor, Match Milk and Coffee caramels, plus spicy Tyrant Habanero!
	Restocked Japanese Gum, Snacks We carry many varieties of Japanese gum on the site too, and today we've restocked one of our favorites, Black Black caffeine gum, which will keep you alert no matter what.
	Make The World Better with Bento Boxes The quality of a bento box add joy to your life each time you open it up and day "itadakimasu!" (let's eat!). See today's new traditional bento stock.
	Kawaii Anime Bento from J-List One of my favorite bento boxes is back in stock, the Kiki's Delivery Service Thermal Bento, for Jiji the Cat fans. Enjoy!
	Gyoza Makers, Other Kitchen Items Wonderful bento/kitchen items restocked, including Gyoza Makers for making Chinese dumplings, sushi shapers for making awesome sushi, and more.
	Kawaii Hello Kitty Spoon & Fork, Chopsticks And you just can't have a real tea party without a complete set of Hello Kitty silverware, perfectly sized for small hands.
	Awesome Traditional Products Restocked From kitsune (fox) masks to the game of shogi (Japanese chess), you'll find some cool traditional items this week at J-List.
	Fukufuku Lucky Owl with Seven Gods for Display Another fun item: fresh stock of our Lucky Owl with Seven Gods of Happiness, which will add an awesome touch of Japan to any room, and bring you good luck.
	MIllhi Figure ~ DOG DAYS *Preorder* A 200 mm (7.9 inch) tall PVC figure of Millhiore F. Biscotti, heroine of popular fantasy anime series Dog Days. Features adorable dog ears and tail.
	Shiroi Neko Figure - Neko no Wakusei *Preorder* A PVC figure of Shiroi Neko from the doujin manga Neko no Wakusei Features cat ears, tail, and cast-off dress. A must have for any kemonomimi fan.
	Lingerie The Best vol. 14 One of the more interesting adult magazines to be found in Japan, Lingerie The Best, features beautiful girls wearing sexy underwear, bikinis, lingerie, SM wear and more. Plus, it wouldn't be Lingerie The Best without some real omake worn by the women featured in the magazine. This is a great collector's item we think all JAV fans will want. View products »
	Quartus ~ Miyuki Sugiura Miyuki shows off her sensual, sexy side in her new photobook, featuring 80 color pages of great poses in the nude or near nude.
	Resetocking of 'H' & Moe Books We've got a great selection of restocked hentai books, like this superb collection of moe artwork from over 100 artists, all in full color.
	Miracle Hole ~ Kirara Asuka Those stress balls that you squeeze never really work to let you relax. With a little help from Kirara Asuka and her beautifully shaped hole, you'll be able to release all that built-up tension unlike you've ever experienced before. View products »
	Realistic Onahole Toys for Stress Relief When realism is what you seek, check out the Meiki toy based on Risa Kasumi's real body, restocked today.
	My Little Sister's Best Friend Can't Be This. We've got many cool parody relaxation toys and onaholes available and in-stock, including parodies of Ore no Imoto and Miku Hatsune.
	Queen's Blade Eroge? A cross between the classic sidescroller game Golden Axe and the super sexy characters of Queen's Blade, check out this fun "H" doujin game.
	Restocked H-Games, Doujin Soft See great H-games like Miss Pig Princess, Homu PLUS, Plus Suit Rei, Strip Fighter IV, plus awesome Madoka Magika doujin soft releases.

Until What Age Did You Bathe With Your Mother?

There are some things you say when you live in Japan that you'd certainly never utter back home. For example, when you give someone a present it's common to be self-effacing and say, "Please accept this boring gift" as you hand it to them, which I've never said in English. Asking a person's blood type then having an in-depth conversation about it is odd, as is being reminded to "turn off the carpet" before going to bed, referring to the electric "hot carpet" heater some homes have in Japan. When a member of the J-List staff goes home for the day, I'll usually tell them ki o tsukete, which literally means "be careful," but this goodbye greeting would sound strange if translated into English. Then there's, "At what age did you stop taking baths with your parents?" In Japan, baths are made extra large, and parents will generally take their baths with their kids up to a certain age (usually around the third grade of elementary school), a custom which is known as "skinship," one of my favorite Engrish words. A common joke in anime is a character who's embarrassed when his friends find out that he was taking baths with his mother well into junior high school.

"Skinship" is the Japanese word for the touch between a parent and their child.

Fun With Highly Descriptive Japanese Adjectives

Although all languages share the basic building blogs of grammar, with nouns, verbs, and adjectives, passive and active voice and so on, Japanese is obviously quite different from English. Rather than feel frustrated at the parts that were different from English, I did my best to embrace them instead. For example, there's a class of highly descriptive 4-syllable adjective that all end in -yaka which are so full of complex meanings that they can be a challenge to master. The word hanayaka means bright, flowery and full of pageantry, like a beautiful bride at her wedding, while the similar sounding nigiyaka means bustling and busy, like a big city where everyone is hurrying to get someplace. If something you're eating or drinking makes you feel sawayaka you feel refreshed and full of zest, while the word sumiyaka means speedy and without delay. Most Japanese parents would like their sons to grow up to be sukoyaka, which means vigorous, healthy and strong, while odayaka, meaning calm and graceful, is considered a virtue for daughters. While these nuanced words might seem hard to learn, they're used quite often, which makes them easy to learn.

According to Google Images, this image is sawayaka (bright and refreshing.

Can Anime Make you Cry?

Ever since tear-jerkers like Clannad After Story came along, it seems more and more anime series involve stories that can reduce fans to weeping dishrags by the end. From the beginning, Anime has featured intense stories and characters that deeply affect the emotions of viewers -- for example, in the 70s we saw the dramatic death of Captain Okita of Space Battleship Yamato as he took a final look at Earth and the ascension of Nello and Patrasche into heaven in A Dog of Flanders. Looking at the comments I've seen in my Twitter feed and on the J-List Facebook Page, anime series that deeply affect us seem to be getting more common, and I often see big, burly men admit things like, "I cried like a baby, watching AnoHana...they were not manly tears." Even shows that you don't think of as especially deep can get you, like episode 20 of K-On! seaon 2 where Yui talks about next year's culture festival, then the girls realize they're high school seniors and won't ever be playing in a high school band again after they graduate, and all break up in tears. I think emotional anime events like the ending of Madoka Magika are important because they become "shared moments" that allow us all to know we're part of something larger.

There's been a rise in the number of anime series that can deeply affect fans.